By ALOK ULFAT
In the Doon Valley a star shone so bright Deepak, a beacon of transcendent light.
With a heart pure and vision clear, His friendship healed and drew us near.
His compassion, a balm to the soul, sensitive and perceptive, making us whole. His humour and smile, radiant and divine, Gave joy and hope, a gift truly sublime. Though you’ve crossed life’s threshold, your light with us remains.
Physically absent, yet present in spirit, A rare friend and mentor, forever here. Your endearments and insights will always inspire,
Lifting us with your spirit ever higher. Your wisdom in books, enlightened mind, Will stay with us beyond fleeting times!
OBITUARY
In Peace: Deepak Menon
(26 July, 1956 – 14 August, 2024)
By ALOK ULFAT
Deepak Menon was born in Dehradun, on July 26, 1956. He was the son of Brig MK Menon and Barbara Menon. He was the nephew of late Promilla Ghose, ex-principal of St Thomas’ College, Dehradun. The second of three children, he was younger brother to Dr Shama Shukla, and older brother to Vikram Menon. He was a caring husband to Abha Menon, a doting father to Serena & Karan, and Samir & Sana, and a loving grandfather to Rei, Xahra & Xahvi.
Deepak was a person of many talents — he joined the State Bank of India in November 1980, and retired as Assistant General Manager. He was a banker by profession, and he was also a poet, an author of children’s books and science-fiction, a painter, a singer, a baker, a literary master and an all-round creative powerhouse.
Deepak published numerous books. His poetry books include Tamam Shudh / All Pure, A Tattered Pennant, and What Worth My Tomorrows. His science-fiction books included Skymerge, Skysplitter and Spacevasion. Perhaps most important to him were his children’s books – Tales of The Booga Dooga Land series, the inimitable Pickwick the Pixie, of which he published three and had a few more in the works. With a pen in his hand and a twinkle in his eye, he wove magic with every chance he got, no matter where he was. Perhaps the thing Deepak will be remembered for the most was his inner child and ability to make you smile. He had a knack for injecting love and laughter into any situation. His innocent demeanor helped him connect with everyone, from senior executives, to ordinary people on the street.
His memories will always bring a smile to the face of those who he touched. May he rest peacefully knowing that the love and laughter he brought to the world, to his family, his friends, his colleagues, shall always remain. Goodbye for now Mr Menon, you will always be amongst Doon’s foremost stars. A Prayer Meeting for Deepak is scheduled on Tuesday, August 20, at Swargpuri Ashram, Race Course, opposite Police Lines, Dehradun.
